Robert Matthews

Science writer

After studying physics at Oxford, Robert became a science writer. He’s visiting professor in science at Aston University.

Recent articles by Robert Matthews

Why do clothes get darker when wet? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why do clothes get darker when wet?

Do dimmer switches actually use less energy? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Do dimmer switches actually use less energy?

What propels the ‘sailing stones’ across the Californian desert? © Getty Images

What propels the ‘sailing stones’ across the Californian desert?

Does sound travel further on foggy days? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Does sound travel further on foggy days?

How far from Earth could aliens detect our radio signals? © Getty Images

How far from Earth could aliens detect our radio signals?

Through the wormhole © Andy Potts

Wormholes Could we travel through a black hole into another galaxy?

If the Sun is constantly losing mass via nuclear fusion, how come it’s not getting any smaller? © Getty Images

If the Sun is constantly losing mass via nuclear fusion, how come it’s not getting any smaller?

How do smelling salts work? © Alamy

How do smelling salts work?

Is sparkling water as hydrating as still water? © Getty Images

Is sparkling water as hydrating as still water?

Why do we swing our arms when we walk? © Getty Images

Why do we swing our arms when we walk?

Why does the clinking sound go down in pitch when I stir sugar into my coffee? © Getty Images

Everyday science

Why does the clinking sound go down in pitch when I stir sugar into my coffee?

What’s the most dangerous sport? © Getty Images

Everyday science

What’s the most dangerous sport?

How are batteries recycled? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How are batteries recycled?

How can an electron be both a particle and a wave?

Everyday science

How can an electron be both a particle and a wave?

How do atoms ‘know’ what other atoms to bond to? © Getty Images

Everyday science

How do atoms ‘know’ what other atoms to bond to?